Monday, May 23, 2011

Top Reasons Why People Decide to Give Yoga a Try

"Yoga" is the Sanskrit word that means union or conjunction. Over the years, the practice has been growing in popularity because of the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits it can provide to practitioners. With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the most common reasons people cite for getting into yoga classes in NJ.

One of the top reasons why one practices yoga is to increase muscular flexibility. Yoga involves the practice of conforming to different postures and moving in a rhythmic manner; if done properly and consistently, it can greatly improve your overall level of flexibility. The key is to remain patient - during the first few sessions your body may resist. Certainly, your physical limitations will be evident but in time the body starts to open up. Through continuous practice the body adapts, and before you know it, you’re able to move and bend in ways you never thought possible!

Another reason why people take up yoga is ease their physical ailments. For example, back pain, which is usually associated with incorrect posture, can be alleviated through movements that help to lengthen the spine and avoid nerve compression. This, in turn, helps to loosen tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and the back. Proper circulation is another important factor that determines a person’s overall health. Many yoga classes in NJ will teach you inversions such as the shoulder stand and the headstand which can bring fresh blood to the heart and an increased oxygen level that can help reduce heart and kidney problems. Finally, many of the twists found in yoga can help flush toxins from the body.

Last but not least, yoga has a way of making you feel good about yourself. If you are feeling down, there are certain poses that can improve the moods and make you feel more tranquil. Yogis also say that practicing even for just a few minutes per day can increase focus and chase your worries away. Certain yoga classes in NJ, like our Yoga Relaxation class, can help the practitioner maintain a positive outlook; through meditation it’s easier to control and quiet the negative emotions that occur in daily life and improve our way of thinking.